SISKIYOU COUNTY – During his 2010 election campaign, Siskiyou County Sheriff Jon Lopey made a promise that if elected, he would donate a minimum of 75 percent of his annual $78,000 take-home salary back to the community. The Sheriff Lopey Foundation was born from that promise, and the nonprofit organization has been busy funneling those funds to law enforcement programs, veteran services, senior citizens and local youth.

After retiring from the California Highway Patrol following nearly 33 years of service and almost 38 years in the active and reserve military – which will result in a prorated limited retirement down the road – Lopey said he did not need another full salary.

In addition to donating his salary, Lopey also waived his retirement and medical benefits, which saves the county $55,000 per year.

“I wanted to do something unconventional. I decided to contribute most of my salary. Serving the people is not about making money; it is about doing what you can for the great citizens of this county,” stated Lopey. “Giving inspires other giving.”

The foundation was first established in January of 2011 when it received its 501 (c)(3) initial status. The foundation celebrated its formal nonprofit status acceptance on Oct. 15.

It is run by a volunteer executive board consisting of three business owners, one retired office technician, one retired law enforcement officer and Lopey and his wife Maxine. The foundation does not have headquarters. Rather, the board members meet at their own homes to make funding request decisions.

“The board attempts to distribute our limited funds to the most deserving community or depart deserving community or departmental programs,” stated Lopey.

According to the board’s president Ed Pecis, when organizations and individuals submit a request to the foundation, the board will invite those making the request to a meeting. The board will often vote right there on whether or not to authorize the approval.

The foundation has made it possible to resurrect the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) Chaplaincy Program – which had been suspended for almost a year prior to Lopey’s election due to inadequate funding. Now, the foundation funds the chaplain’s salary.

While Lopey said he believes all of the foundation’s contributions are important, he noted, “I think the chaplaincy program helps the most citizens as well as peace officers from many agencies.”

The chaplain works with all law enforcement agencies in the county to provide consultations to peace officers and personally notify family members whose loved ones have lost their lives under tragic circumstances.

Pecis, who is a California Department of Justice retiree, noted that the chaplain is trained in crisis intervention and his level of compassion when communicating with grieving families surpasses that of many law enforcement officers.

Page 2 of 2 - In addition to the chaplaincy program, the foundation has funded improvements to the county veterans services building – personalizing the interior to help make visitors feel more comfortable, said Pecis.

For youth, the foundation has helped fund a Central America Christian youth mission project, high school art awards, the addition of chairs in local classrooms for special needs children, little league plaques, a high school senior project and the law enforcement Explorer program. In addition, the foundation has launched a scholarship program for individuals who would like to pursue a law enforcement educational path.

The foundation has provided funding for senior arts and crafts programs, organizations that collect food for the needy and individuals who have requested assistance for medical needs.

The SCSO has also been the recipient of foundation funds. The foundation provides monies for the annual department luncheon and Christmas dinner, achievement awards for deputies, leadership training, the canine training program and the Siskiyou County Deputy Sheriffs Association which offers financial assistance to widows and orphans of deputies.

“The foundation is a small way to give back to the community and we help the department, kids, veterans, seniors and we have kept the chaplain’s program going,” stated Lopey.

Pecis said the foundation is receiving more and more funding requests as citizens become familiar with the unique organization. Now that the foundation has received its nonprofit status, Pecis said it is seeking donations in order for it to continue to fund the worthy requests from community members.

Pecis also pointed out that Lopey has promised to run for a second term, although when he leaves office, the foundation will rely on outside donors to remain afloat.

“A community is what we the community members make it,” said Pecis. “We have to turn to each other for help sometimes and this foundation is a great way to do it. We are seeking donations to benefit the county – specifically the youth, elderly and veterans.”